The group dragged the boat up the beach as far as they could, making sure it was out of the immediate reach of the water. The effort was exhausting but necessary; the threat of the mist still lingered, and no one wanted to risk the boat being swept back into the lake while they slept. When they finally stopped, they looked up and saw how the mist was growing thicker, slowly spreading over the surface of the lake as if it had a life of its own. Night was also beginning to fall, painting the sky in an oppressive dark gray.
The island itself offered no comfort. At first glance, it was nothing more than a gloomy forest, with twisted trees and tangled branches that looked as if they were trying to ensnare the unwary. There were no signs of paths or structures, just wild vegetation, protruding roots, and the eerie whisper of the wind through the treetops.
Long Tian stepped forward cautiously, scanning the surroundings. Tension was evident among his companions, who looked around as if something might emerge from the forest at any moment. Then, speaking in a firm voice, he said:
We need to build a fire. Before night falls completely, we must have a source of light and heat. No one knows this island, and we don't know what might be hiding in it. A fire might keep the beasts away... or at least warn us of their presence.
No one argued. Long Tian's words were logical, and although some still didn't fully trust him especially since he hadn't told them anything about the map the urgency of the situation made them obey without hesitation. They scattered across the area near the beach, gathering dry branches, bark, and any piece of wood they could find. Fortunately, the moisture hadn't yet soaked the ground entirely, so they were able to collect a decent amount in a short time.
While the others worked, Long Tian used a small piece of flint he carried with him, along with an iron knife, to strike sparks. After several attempts, he finally managed to ignite a small flame over a mound of dry leaves. He fed the fire patiently until the flames were large enough to be seen from several meters away.
The fire's warm light broke through the darkness, casting long shadows over the trees and the figures of the young men. The crackling of the burning wood was almost comforting, a sound that contrasted with the tense silence of the surroundings. Everyone gathered around the flames, not only for warmth but for the sense of safety it offered.
Long Tian looked toward the horizon. The mist was still there, a thick veil that now seemed to shroud the island. He knew they couldn't stay too long. His mission was to collect the spiritual pearls, but now an equally important priority was to get out alive.
We'll take turns keeping watch during the night he finally said. We don't know what kind of creatures live on this island, but we can't lower our guard. At dawn, we'll begin exploring.
His companions nodded, and silence fell once more. Only the crackling fire and the whispering wind filled the air as darkness settled over everything.
Dawn fell under a haunting silence. Only the crackling of the fire pushed back the darkness, casting dancing shadows among the twisted trees. Long Tian and his companions took turns keeping watch. The hours passed slowly, heavily, and sleep began to weigh on them all.
Past midnight, when the fog had thickened to the point they could barely see each other, a nauseating stench began to seep into the air. It was a foul smell, a mix of rotting flesh and ancient mud. Long Tian, resting by the fire, opened his eyes instantly. He stood up in a flash, senses sharp and alert.
"Wake up! Something's coming!" he shouted with a deep, commanding voice.
The group jolted awake. Some stumbled to their feet, still disoriented from sleep. A deep, inhuman moan echoed from the woods, soon joined by others, forming a dreadful, eerie chorus.
Figures began to emerge from the trees and the mist shambling, misshapen forms. They looked human, or once had been. Now their skin was grayish, their eyes lifeless, their bodies scarred and caked with dirt. Zombies. Most dragged their feet, while others lunged forward with clumsy, aggressive motions.
"Defensive formation! Back to back, don't separate!" Long Tian ordered as he lit a branch from the fire.
The group quickly organized around the fire. They grabbed branches, knives, rocks anything within reach. The zombies attacked in eerie silence, driven by a relentless, wordless hunger.
One of them lunged at Lao, knocking him to the ground. The creature tried to bite his face, but Lao smashed its skull with a stone, gasping in panic. Long Tian reached him just in time, shoving him back into the circle while stabbing another zombie through the eye with his knife.
"Stay together! Don't let them surround us!"
Mei was attacked by a creature crawling across the ground. She screamed but managed to kick it back. Long Tian rushed over and struck the enemy with a flaming torch, setting it ablaze.
The fight was pure chaos. The fire gave them a slight edge zombies seemed to fear the flames. But they were too many. More emerged from the mist, the trees, even the earth itself, as if the island were vomiting them out.
Hao took a bite to the shoulder and cried out in pain. Still, he managed to kick the creature off and dropped to his knees, clutching the wound as the others helped him retreat.
"More fire! Get more dry branches, now!"
While Mei and the others defended themselves with improvised torches, the smoke grew as thick as the fog. The air became almost unbreathable, heavy with ash but it was their only barrier.
"We can't keep this up all night!" one of the group shouted.
"Hold on! We'll make it till sunrise!" Long Tian bellowed, his voice slicing through the chaos like a spear.
The zombies made no sounds, no roars, but the pressure increased. Every minute felt endless. Their shadows circled the fire, waiting for an opening. The heat came not only from the flames but from the brutal physical effort. Sweat poured down their faces, mixing with dirt and other people's blood.
At one point, they were nearly surrounded. Only a narrow ring of fire separated them from collapse. Some began to tremble, but no one gave in.
Long Tian spun constantly, striking, lighting dead clothes on fire, deflecting attacks with a cloth-wrapped, burning arm. It was like fighting in a never-ending nightmare.
"Just a little longer...! Sunrise is almost here!" he yelled, unsure if he spoke out of hope or blind faith.